American journalist, short story writer, and poet, Ambrose Bierce is best known for his formidably vicious wit - given free rein in his famous column, The Prattler. But his stories were elegantly crafted, with a compelling blend of realistic detail, clever plot twists, and his own sardonic humor. These 8 macabre stories, read here by Mark Hammer, establish Bierce as a master of the genre. Included are An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, The Damned Thing, A Watcher by the Dead, An Inhabitant of Carcosa, The Famous Gilson Bequest, The Eyes of the Panther, The Secret of Macarger's Gulch, and The Night-Doings at 'Deadman's'. Download and start listening now!

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Listener Opinions

by Libby | 10/30/2013

" Interesting, strange short stories with unexpected twists and turns. "Behind the wall" was very sad. "

by T.S. S. Fulk | 4/4/2013

" The Civil War stories (coming from a Civil War vet) were more interesting than his attempts at horror/weird fiction. Still Bierce's influence on others like Lovecraft are important. "

by Samuel | 3/9/2013

" it explained how death was being honored it's a short story but still powerful "

by Wilshem P. | 2/17/2013

" I fouund this story pretty excited and interesting. I liked it because it showed me a new point of view(Omnicsent.) I enjoyed this story because it was very unpredictable. "

" A strange tale that takes place during the Civil War. A man escapes death... or so he thinks. If you enjoy this tale, check out the Twilight Zone episode based on it. "

TaylorA | 8/4/2011

" Owl Creek was interesting. Some of the terms were a little old, so you had to pay attention as not to get confused. Other than that, the story was pretty amazing. The Twilight Zone didn't do it justice! "

KatieSuzanne | 8/3/2011

" I really liked the Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. The other short stories that followed it weren't quite as good or as thought provoking. I even went online and found where I could watch the old movie short I'd read about in other reviews. It was exactly like the story and just as interesting. "

Katie | 6/12/2011

" If you are a fan of the Twilight Zone, as I am, you will love these stories. They really have the same feel.
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Kelly | 4/17/2011

" who knew that Bierce was so into the paranormal way back then?
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Lisa | 8/6/2009

" If you like short stories a la Borges or Sherlock Holmes, check out some Ambrose Bierce. He's pretty rad.
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Krooks | 10/27/2008

" Bierce is a close second to Poe, in my opinion, for original, unique creepiness! Surprise endings that remind one of Shymalyan's movies abound. He's dark, scary, and brilliant.
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Cynthia | 7/5/2008

" I absolutely love Bierce's staccato writing style. Though his voice is entirely different, the aftertaste of these stories reminds me of Calvino, another of my favorites.
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